Pakistan has faced penalties for a third consecutive time due to a slow over-rate in their recent ODI series. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team was fined five percent of their match fee following a delayed over-rate during their third ODI against New Zealand.
In that match held at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Pakistan had a rough outing, succumbing to a disappointing 43-run defeat. This loss marked their third consecutive failure in the series, painting a bleak picture for Rizwan’s squad.
This issue fell under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to minimum over-rate offenses. Specifically, teams are fined five percent of their match fee for each over they fall short in the allotted time. Pakistan was one over short, and Jeff Crowe from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees enforced the penalty after umpires Chris Brown, Paul Reiffel, and Michael Gough, along with fourth umpire Wayne Knights, reported the violation.
Acknowledging the breach, Mohammad Rizwan accepted the charges, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.
The series against New Zealand proved to be challenging for Rizwan’s team, who were hoping to redeem themselves after losing the T20I series with a 4-1 margin. Unfortunately, they started this ODI series with a hefty 73-run loss in the opening game, followed by an 84-run defeat in the second match, leading up to their final 43-run loss.
Pakistan’s struggles in white-ball cricket have been evident, with their recent performance also leading to an early exit in the ICC Champions Trophy set for 2025.
After the series defeat, Rizwan openly admitted the need for improvement and emphasized learning from their experiences on this tour. He expressed hope for better performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), aiming to entertain their fans back home.
“We need to improve; that’s clear. Playing well against the new ball in New Zealand is crucial,” Rizwan acknowledged. “Though we’re good as individuals, New Zealand won crucial moments. Post-Champions Trophy and this series, it’s about moving on. PSL is significant, and we aim to do well for our nation.”
Moving forward, Pakistan will look to turn the page, focusing on learning from their past and gearing up for the PSL, which they hope will be a thrilling spectacle for their enthusiastic supporters.
